Manchester United's search for their next permanent manager has taken an unexpected twist, with Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated coach Ruben Amorim now firmly in the frame for the Old Trafford hot seat.
The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician has emerged as a genuine candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, whose future remains uncertain despite United's dramatic FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City.
The Three-Man Shortlist Revealed
According to emerging reports, United's new hierarchy led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified three primary targets to potentially take over this summer. Alongside Amorim, the list includes England manager Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
This development represents a significant shift in the managerial landscape, with Amorim previously considered an unlikely option due to his substantial release clause at Sporting.
Why Amorim Appeals to United's New Regime
Amorim's impressive work at Sporting has not gone unnoticed across Europe. The young manager guided the Lisbon club to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season and has maintained their status as Portuguese title challengers since.
His attractive, attacking philosophy and proven track record in developing young talent align perfectly with the vision United's new sporting direction envisages. Furthermore, his experience in European competition provides another compelling argument for his candidacy.
The Southgate Conundrum
While Southgate has long been linked with the position, his commitment to England's Euro 2024 campaign complicates any potential approach. United would need to wait until after the tournament to secure his services, creating uncertainty during a crucial summer transfer window.
Equally, Southgate's lack of club management experience since his Middlesbrough days raises questions about whether he's the right fit for a rebuilding project of this magnitude.
Potter's Premier League Pedigree
Graham Potter represents the safe, proven Premier League option. His work in building Brighton into an established top-flight outfit demonstrated his ability to implement a clear footballing identity and work within a structured system.
However, his difficult stint at Chelsea remains a concern, though many in the game attribute those struggles to the chaotic environment at Stamford Bridge rather than managerial deficiencies.
The Current Incumbent's Precarious Position
Despite guiding United to a second consecutive FA Cup final, Erik ten Hag's future appears increasingly uncertain. The Dutchman has overseen United's worst Premier League campaign in history, with the team currently sitting seventh in the table.
The manner of United's collapse against Coventry, squandering a 3-0 lead before progressing on penalties, has further intensified scrutiny on ten Hag's tenure.
With INEOS now calling the shots on football operations, the decision on ten Hag's future will be made with cold, hard logic rather than sentimentality.
What Comes Next in United's Manager Hunt
The emergence of Amorim as a genuine candidate adds an intriguing new dimension to United's planning. His availability would not be hampered by international tournaments, unlike Southgate, and his recent success arguably surpasses Potter's achievements.
As the season reaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see which direction United's new leadership takes in what represents one of the most significant appointments in the club's recent history.
